Pacha, Ralph Michael "Mike" 1947-2014

PACHA, COVINGTON, WICK, MART, GESKE, SHINBORI, BESWICK, OLSON, MANDERS, THOMPSON

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 4/3/2014 at 14:39:31

Mike Pacha, 66, of Long Grove, Iowa, passed away in his home on the farm he loved, Sunday afternoon, March 9, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

Ralph Michael Pacha was born in Washington, Iowa, October 20, 1947, the fourth child of James and Bernice (Covington) Pacha. Mike graduated from North Scott High School in 1965. He served overseas with the United States Army from 1968 until 1969. After being honorably discharged, Mike returned to Scott County to farm and work at the International Harvester plant until 1983, when he decided to become a full-time farmer.

Mike was a very social and active person, which led him to join a local volleyball league when he came home from the Army. It was while playing volleyball that he met Karen Wick. They were married August 12, 1972. A few years after being married, Mike and Karen purchased a farm outside of Long Grove. It was there that Mike nurtured his lifelong love of farming. He was never happier than when he would fire up the combine at the start of the harvest season.

He was passionate about sharing his love of farming, and did so for many years by participating in Farm Bureau's Ag Day in the Classroom. Any children who visited his farm (and even some adults, from as far away as Japan) would be welcomed with tractor and hay-rack rides. His love of the land was evident in what he said, but his love for all children was evident in what he did. None benefited more from this love then his daughter, Karri and his grandchildren, Lynnea, Patrick and Kylie. Mike remained influential in their lives until the very end.

Mike will be remembered for his great sense of humor, laugh, smile and ability to talk to anyone anywhere. He also will be remembered for his strong work ethic and even stronger compassion for anyone in need. Mike enjoyed tinkering in his machine shed, where he would create yard decorations and toys for his wife and family. He could fix anything.

He was active in the United Methodist Church of McCausland. Until poor health made it impossible, Mike was an active member and past-president of the Long Grove Lions, member and past president of the Scott County Corn Growers, board member of the Eastern Iowa Hay Association and an assistant commissioner on the Scott County Conservation Board.

Surviving are his wife, Karen; a daughter and son-in-law, Karri and David Mart of Bettendorf, Iowa; grandchildren, Lynnea, Patrick and Kylie Mart; brothers, Jim (Yolanda) Pacha, Henry (Lora) Pacha, Pete (Nida) Pacha, Jack Pacha and Paul (Pam) Pacha; sisters, Lucille (Lyle) Geske, Roberta (Ron) Shinbori, Loretta Beswick, Bonnie Pacha, Barb (John) Olson and Peggy (Glen) Manders; father-in-law, Richard Wick; a sister-in-law, Karla (Darryl) Thompson and several much loved nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mike in death were his parents; a brother, Joe; a sister, Florence and his mother-in-law, Edna Wick.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014. A service in celebration of Mike's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the McCausland United Methodist Church. Burial and military rites will be held at Trinity Cemetery in Mount Union, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the Long Grove Fire Department, St. Jude's Children's Hospital or McCausland United Methodist Church.

Pallbearers will be Darryl Thompson, David Mart, Colby Pacha, Adam Pacha, Dale Bergert, Harold Teagarden and Bob Lavender. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Wick, Lynnea Mart, Patrick Mart, Meaghan Thompson, Jamie Thompson, Bill Grother and Mike Busch.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all who helped care for Mike, especially Sarah (Iowa City Hospitals), Carole (Genesis Hospitals), Dr. Neil, Dr. Matto and the staff at DaVita Dialysis Center.